Date: 01/04/2005

Number: 1

I saw two monarchs yesterday (4 Jan 2005) at Ft. Johnson, James Island,
Charleston County. Was unable to catch and tag either. Also saw one in
same area today as well as a red admiral. Weather is unusually warm,
mid-70s. Further evidence that at least a few monarchs overwinter along the
immediate coast. I've seen monarchs at Ft. Johnson and particularly on
barrier islands and marsh islands/hammocks during winter in past years. The
buffering effects of surrounding and adjacent water-bodies helps to keep
temperatures from plummeting into the "hard freeze" range, and there is
plenty of humidity to keep relatively inactive overwintering monarchs from
desiccating.

James Island, SC

Latitude: 32.7 Longitude: -80

Observed by:
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